Bound by Vengeance (SKALS)

by Adriana Noir

  She squirmed in her seat and speared the green beans across her plate.

  “What now?” he asked, irritation starting to lace his voice.

  “That’s the other thing. Monique called today and we were wondering—she wanted to know if Josh could drop her off in the morning so we could spend the day together. It would be nice to have some company while you’re gone. I missed you today.”

  Holding her breath, she watched Sebastian and waited. He seemed to be mulling her words over, weighing them. She rubbed the lacquered cherry table with the pad of her index finger as the seconds ticked by.

  “I don’t like you both being alone in the same place. It makes for too easy of a target.” He shook his head, scrubbed a hand across the back of his neck, and sighed. “I will look into having extra security tomorrow, if that would make you happy.”

  “It would, Sebastian,” she whispered. “Thank you.”

  After clearing the table, she put the leftovers away and started the dishwasher. The soft rhythmic hum flooded the kitchen and helped her feel more at ease. Padding through the house, she found Sebastian in his study. She loved the masculine room with its dark wood and earthy Tuscan tones. He sat behind his desk, rocking slightly in the padded leather chair as he studied the computer screen. One finger rubbed lightly across the golden stubble above his lip, and every now and then, his eyes narrowed in thought. Taylor leaned a hip against the doorway, content to watch the wheels in his intelligent mind work.

  Not only was the man sexy as hell, but he was so smart it was scary. She’d seen him put facts together and process things in ways that very few people could. He was always two steps ahead and his observation skills were astounding. Nothing ever went unnoticed with him. Nothing was ever missed. In some ways, she found that fact comforting—and in others, it chilled her to the bone.

  “You’ve been standing there forever,” he said without looking up. “Did you need something?”

  “Just you,” she murmured. “Mind if I come in?”

  He shut the monitor off and scooted his chair back. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he fought a smile and patted his lap in invitation.

  “I’ll give you a choice, handsome,” Taylor offered as she strolled across the room. She didn’t miss the way his gaze followed the gentle sway of her hips. Sebastian leaned back in his seat and a leisurely grin eased his serious expression.

  “Will you now? And what would that be?” he asked in a husky whisper.

  “I can give you the best shoulder massage you’ve ever had,” she said, bending down to kiss the side of his neck. He groaned in pleasure as she started to knead the firm muscles nestled beneath his skin. “Or we can do things in this chair that will guarantee you’ll never look at your office the same way again. The choice is yours, handsome. What’s it going to be?”

  He threw his head back and regarded her with a raised brow. Taylor squeaked as he swiveled the seat around without warning and jerked her down into his lap. His hard, corded arms locked around her, pinning her against his chest. Nipping teeth and the short stubble of his goatee scraped against her throat, making her squirm.

  “It’s no choice at all, love. I’m going to get both.”

  Chapter 4 ~

  Sebastian turned his cheek to accept his sister’s dutiful kiss as he let Monique and Josh through the front doors. Anger and annoyance still thrummed through his system. She knew better than to back him into a corner. Still, there was no denying the benefits of allowing the girls a little playtime together. At least his sister understood the rules and the way things worked in their world. If she were smart, she would guide Taylor, rather than try to lead her astray. Frowning, he let his stare bore into his sister for a long moment, wondering what her angle was. Monique’s gaze swept his face, trepidation clear in the depths of her luminous green eyes. Forcing a small smile he didn’t feel, he stroked a thumb over her cheekbone before dismissing her with a nod of his head. Josh shrugged as she fled toward the kitchen and the safety of female companionship.

  “I thought she was going to wring a hole in her shirt on the way over here.” His grin faded when Sebastian didn’t return the gesture. “I’m sorry about this, Baas. Mo ambushed me with the idea when I got home, too. I told her it wasn’t a good idea and you weren’t going to be happy.”

  “She put me in a bad spot. Why didn’t she discuss it with you before running it by Taylor?”

  Josh tossed his hands in the air in show of helpless frustration. “She wasn’t thinking. The lockdown’s been making her stir-crazy. You know how women are. They get these crazy ideas and before you realize what the hell they’re doing, they run with them. Cut her a little slack, Baas. Mo’s trying. She likes Taylor and just wants a chance to hang out with her a little. It’s been rough on her with Mia gone. She’s trying to cling to whatever semblance of family she has left.”

  Sebastian scowled at the unpleasant reminder. “What’s going on there?”

  His partner rolled his shoulders, some of the light in his blue gaze dimming. “Dane’s parents caught wind of what happened to your family. You know how kids are. They latch on to bad news like a pit bull with a bone. Mia told them her cousin was dead, and after what happened to their son they’re convinced it wasn’t just some random car accident. Honestly, Baas, they’re all shades of flipped out and threatening to sue for sole custody. I told Monique it was better to let her stay with them. At least until this thing with Laychee blows over. As far as we know, Mia isn’t on his radar. It’s better that way.”

  Sebastian’s jaw tensed. His stomach churned at the thought of Laychee and the drama a custody battle could bring. Marx would hit the roof. He rubbed his temples and grimaced at the dull throb building behind them. The last thing he needed at this point was their director breathing down his neck and screaming at him to get his family in line. “You know the things that could come out if this situation goes to court.”

  “Yeah,” Josh said quietly. “I know, Baas. It won’t go to that. I promise.”

  Nodding, he glanced around. “Where’s Aiden?”

  Josh rolled his eyes. “He’s ten, Sebastian. He’s in school—remember? Jesus, have another cup of coffee, would ya?”

  He felt his cheeks tighten at the barb. Embarrassment threatened and his stare narrowed. Josh tried to lighten the mood by offering a lopsided grin. Shaking his head, Sebastian turned for the kitchen. He found his sister and Taylor already cozied up at the table in the morning room. Steam rose from the dual cups of frothy cappuccino Monique had brought with her, and he watched the bliss play across Taylor’s expression as she took a lengthy sip. His gaze flickered to the standard coffee pot sitting on the counter and he sighed. Maybe it was time to upgrade.

  Crossing the room, he stroked the back of his sister’s head. She startled at his touch, but quickly regained her composure and graced him with an affectionate smile. Her features were softer and more rounded than his and her hair much lighter, but hints of resemblance were still there. He lifted one of her loose ringlets and let it fall from his fingers. It was the same honeyed blonde their mother’s had been. His chest ached as memories of their childhood came crashing back and he stiffened.

  “Thank you for bringing those,” he said indicating toward the cups.

  Monique stared at him for a long moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes as she tried to decipher if his words were genuine or a trick. “It was my pleasure, Sebastian. I’m sorry if I upset you.”

  “I know. You meant well, even if you failed to think things through.” Moving to Taylor, he cupped her chin and claimed a lingering kiss. He brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers, reluctant to leave. “Be good, sweetheart. I’ll see you later.”

  He tamped down a smirk as he watched Josh struggle with how to say goodbye in front of him. His partner’s gaze darted between himself and Monique as if weighing which one he wanted to risk upsetting more. Rolling his eyes, Sebastian gave a disgusted huff.

  “Just kiss her and get it o
ver with. I’m aware the two of you are already doing much worse.”

  Taylor choked. Clamping a hand over her mouth, she fought to hold in the sip she’d just taken. Glancing down, he offered a conspiring wink and mouthed ‘I love you.’ Her face lit up and he smiled, knowing he’d hold onto that image for the rest of the day.

  They lay sprawled on the couches, soaking in the rays of early afternoon sun filtering through the windows. Warm coffee swirled through her stomach as Taylor replayed the morning’s events in her head. She glanced over at the striking blonde with more than a little curiosity. Josh’s parting words had been eerily reminiscent of something Sebastian would say, leaving her to wonder where their relationship stood: “Behave today, Monique. Don’t make me regret this.”

  She chewed the corner of her thumbnail, her thoughts a whirlwind. Dealing with one of the men when they were unhappy was bad enough. She didn’t dare imagine trying to endure two. The notion alone made her fidget and squirm, and she colored as the creak of leather drew Monique’s attention.

  “Sorry,” she mumbled.

  Monique spread her palms in an admission of guilt. “Don’t apologize to me. I’m the one laying here all wrapped up in my own thoughts. Some company I make, huh?”

  Taylor shrugged. “I was doing the same.” She bit her lip and sat up, tucking one of the plush red throw pillows in her lap. “Can I ask you something?”

  Rolling onto her side, Monique propped one of her sculpted cheekbones against her hand and grinned. “Of course you can. What’s on your mind?”

  “What exactly are you and Josh?”

  Color stained the blonde’s face and flushed it a pretty pink. Her lips curved with amusement. “Truthfully, it’s hard to say. He’s my protector, my guardian, and more often than not, my lover as well. He’s been a part of my life since Dane died and Mia was eight months old.” She shrugged, looking a little embarrassed. “In the beginning, his being there was Sebastian’s doing, but things are different now. There’s something else there. At least for me.”

  “Are you ever scared of him?”

  The great room chimed with Monique’s airy laughter. “Of course I am,” she said. “I’d be stupid if I wasn’t afraid of Josh on some levels, but he’s not so bad. Honestly, I find him easier and more relaxed to be around than Sebastian. Maybe that’s because he doesn’t have the same pressures, and my brother still feels like he shoulders a lot of the responsibility for me. I don’t know,” she admitted with an awkward shrug. “I just see Josh as gentler and more forgiving somehow. Then again, Sebastian’s never looked at me the way he looks at you.”

  Taylor couldn’t help but snicker. “I would hope not!”

  Monique reached back and chucked a fluffy throw pillow across the room at her. “You know what I meant! I’m being serious, goofball. You help ease a lot of his edge.”

  Taylor grappled with that for a moment, unsure how to respond. “It doesn’t feel like it sometimes,” she admitted quietly. “Last night, I felt like I was on trial for murder in the first degree.”

  “I know, sweetie. Josh came home in a mood, too. It goes with the territory. But you got through it okay, right?”

  Taylor nodded. A silly smile threatened as she remembered how they’d finished off their night. Her body still throbbed in a pleasant reminder. He’d been so passionate and determined in his efforts to please. Her cheeks grew hot and she lowered her head as Monique pinned her with a knowing stare. A taunting smirk accompanied the playful eye roll aimed her way. Laughing, Taylor ducked as the blonde hurled another pillow in her direction.

  “You are so freaking transparent!” Monique teased. “Keep your afterglow to yourself. There are just some things I don’t need to know!”

  Taylor grinned and stuck out her tongue. “Aww, what’s the matter? Was someone not in the mood last night?”

  A smug twist played on Monique’s lips. “Believe me that is never a problem with Josh.” Her delicate eyebrows wiggled in suggestion before her bright green eyes swung up to Taylor’s. “Just don’t repeat that to Sebastian.”

  “Yeah, like I’m going to bring that one up out of the blue,” she scoffed, still snickering. “No worries there. Your dirty little secret is safe with me.”

  Sighing, Sebastian looked out the window. It had been a long day. Despite calling to check in three times, he couldn’t tamp down the nagging doubt and worry. He hated the thought of the two people he loved most being alone together like sitting ducks when a vengeful madman was on the loose. Then his mind whirled wondering what Taylor and Monique were talking about, what they were doing. His head fell back against the seat. Three hours of sitting in the car was killing him. Everything was starting to tense up and ache. Three hours and there hadn’t been one single sign of Laychee or his men. Frowning, he picked up his phone again.

  “Jesus, Baas. Leave them be.”

  Growling beneath his breath, he tossed the phone on the dash and kicked the seat back a notch. His fingers drummed impatiently on his thigh. Josh cast him a sidelong stare before turning his attention out the windshield with a shake of his head. Ignoring him, Sebastian bounced his knee and scanned the perimeter outside the passenger window. Nothing stirred the horizon. Not even a breeze.

  “Do you have to piss or something?” Josh asked, swiveling to face him. “You’re fidgeting like a freaking kid.”

  “Fuck you,” he muttered, without tearing his gaze away.

  “Really?” Josh twisted until his back rested against the driver’s window. “Okay, now I know something is up. That’s way too simple and crude of a response from you. Hell, your heart wasn’t even in it.”

  “Are you trying to get my undivided attention?”

  “No, Baas. Believe me, nobody wants that.”

  “Stop talking. You’re starting to piss me off.”

  “I thought we were already there, but since I seem to have one toe on the line, you want to tell me what gives? You’ve been off your game all morning, and it’s been downhill ever since.”

  Sebastian stiffened and balled his fists against his lap. “No.”

  “You know I’m not going to drop it. So either hit me and get it out of your system or spit it out. We’ve been through this before.”

  Blowing out a deep breath, he raked a hand through his curls and fixed Josh with a cold stare. He loved the man. He did, but sometimes he took the line between work and friendship too far. The line was starting to get blurred and that’s when problems started. They were supposed to team up together, not care. This whole sharing feelings phase Josh was creeping into wasn’t just uncharted territory, it was disturbing and uncomfortable. He forced his gaze back to the window. The sad truth was, Taylor aside, there wasn’t anyone else he could talk to…about anything. His lips pursed and whitened.

  “Is it this Laychee thing? You know we are going to nail the son-of-a-bitch.”

  “No,” Sebastian stated quietly. “I know.” He hesitated a long moment before speaking again. “Do you and Monique ever talk about having more kids?”

  He watched Josh’s mouth fall open in the reflective glare of the window. Regaining his composure, his partner snapped his jaw shut and scrubbed a hand across the back of his nape. A nervous laugh flooded the car.

  “What? I mean we aren’t even technically dating, let alone married…”

  “You’re sleeping with her. That makes you very much together, despite what you may call it.” Peeling his attention away from the storage yard, Sebastian turned to his partner. “Don’t insult my intelligence or my sister like that again.”

  Josh paled and lifted his hands. “You know that isn’t what I meant. Jesus, Baas. I love her enough to die for her and you know it.”

  He nodded, his expression stoic. “I know. Perhaps it’s time you told her that as well. You and I both know Mia’s not coming back. Marx isn’t going to want the hassle. If she was yours it might be different, but Monique means nothing to him. She’s going to need you.”

  A shuddering brea
th left his partner as he slumped in his seat. “To be honest, I try not to think about it. I loved that little girl like she was mine, you know?” His thick swallow echoed in the car.

  Sebastian bit the inside of his cheek until the slick taste of copper rolled across his tongue. Focusing on the pain, he managed to keep the emotion at bay. His nephew was dead, and now he was losing his niece—because of his job—because of the things he did—because of the things he didn’t do. It was enough to make his head spin.

  “Baas?” Josh’s voice was tense.

  Shaking his head, he silenced him. His partner cast him a worried glance, but said nothing else. It was for the best. He wasn’t about to start opening up about how much he craved having a family, kids of his own, or a normal life among the madness and chaos they lived and abided by. In fact, he was pretty sure people like him didn’t deserve things like love or happiness, let alone children. Not with all the things he’d done. What he could do was try to protect the little bit of family and sanity the people he loved had left. Squaring his shoulders, he straightened his spine and called Vince.

  “We’re heading out. If you want to keep your job, you watch this car and you make damn sure nothing is tailing us. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You fuck this up and so help me God Vince, I’ll kill everyone you know and leave you alive to suffer.” The tense silence on the other end told him all he needed to know. He was dead serious, and the man knew it. Hanging up, he ignored Josh’s bewildered stare. “Start driving.”

  The house wasn’t anything special, just another one of the well-manicured Spanish Colonials prevalent throughout the Southwest. He squinted against the lowering sun as it reflected off the tiled roof. A large privacy fence encased the property, and while it wasn’t anything like Monique’s, it looked like the yard offered plenty of room to play. Josh stared at the house too, and he could almost see the emotions play across his partner’s face as he searched for a reason, any reason, not to let Mia stay. Sighing, Sebastian took in the gated windows and doors. Maybe they were just meant for decoration, as was so often the case in this part of the country, but he appreciated the extra security they offered.